4 days ago
Why is Srihari Nataraj's gold-winning effort in 200m freestyle not classified as National Record?
Srihari Nataraj won the gold medal in 200m men's freestyle at the Singapore National Swimming Championship on Sunday.
The 24-year-old, who represented India at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, clocked 1:48:66s at the Singapore Sports School. This time was faster than the existing National Record which was set by Sajan Prakash in 2018. However, Srihari will not be credited with the NR with his performance.
What is the difference between National Record and Best Indian Performance in swimming?
Srihari's timing in Singapore was fast enough to earn it the 'Best Indian Time' or the 'Best Indian Performance. But, despite it being quicker than Sajan's existing National Record in 200m freestyle (1:50.35s), which was set in 2018, Srihari will not be the holder of a new NR.
Why? Because the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) doesn't count the timings in overseas events for National Records.
According to SFI senior vice-president Virendra Nanavati, a timing will only be considered as a National Record if its set in the National Aquatics Championships organised by SFI. This can happen in three age categories: sub-junior, junior, and senior.
If an Indian swimmer does well in any other internationally-recognised event, even if it is the Olympics or the Asian Games, their timings will be called as a 'Best Indian Performance'.
